Ultrasensitive detection of H2 based on WO3 nanocubes decorated with PtO nanoparticles

The rapid detection and early warning of H 2 leakage at relatively low temperatures are crucial for ensuring the safety of human life and property. Tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) nanocubes are promising gas-sensing materials due to their relatively large surface area, high activity, and low cost. However, the application of pure WO 3 nanocube for hydrogen (H 2 ) detection is limited by poor sensing properties, such as low response and high operating temperature. In this study, we synthesized WO 3 nanocubes decorated with varying amounts of platinum oxide (PtO) through an impregnation route followed by calcination. The optimized PtO-WO 3 sensor exhibited a high response value of 340 and an ultrafast response time of 1 s–100 ppm H 2 at the optimum operating temperature of 200 °C. Additionally, the sensor demonstrated a low detection limit of 123 parts per billion (ppb) for H 2 and exhibited excellent repeatability, selectivity, and long-term stability. The enhanced gas sensing performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the heterostructure between PtO and WO 3 , and the catalytic activity of PtO as well as platinum (Pt). The PtO-WO 3 sensor shows great potential for practical applications in detecting H 2 in air.